The Celebration and History Behind Cannabis’ 420 Holiday
Every industry has its inside jokes and shorthand. In the cannabis world, few numbers carry more weight than 420. It’s written on T-shirts, shouted at rallies, and serves as the unofficial signal for all things cannabis-related. But where did it come from—and why April 20?
This article explores the origin of 420, when and how it began, and the people responsible for its unexpected rise to international recognition.
The Legend Gets Lit
Despite decades of myths involving police codes or Bob Dylan references (Rainy Day Women #12 & 35), the real story behind 420 starts with five teenagers at San Rafael High School in Marin County, California. The year was 1971. The group, who called themselves “The Waldos” (because they liked to hang out by a wall near campus), heard about a Coast Guard service member who supposedly abandoned a cannabis crop somewhere in Point Reyes.
Armed with a hand-drawn map and teenage optimism, they agreed to meet after sports practice—specifically at 4:20 p.m.—to search for the patch of marijuana. They never found it, but “420” became their shorthand for anything cannabis-related: passing a joint, planning a smoke session, or just checking in with like-minded friends. The time evolved into a code, and that code eventually became a movement.
420 Grows Roots In the Community
Why did the Waldos choose to meet at 4:20 p.m.? Again, it wasn’t a police radio code or the number of active cannabis compounds in a sativa strain. It was simply the time of day the Waldos could meet after extracurriculars. Thank you, Occam’s Razor.
They used the term often and consistently. Over time, their shorthand spread beyond their friend group, thanks in part to a connection to Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh, whose inner circle overlapped with theirs. As Grateful Dead culture expanded across the country in the ’70s and ’80s, the term “420” traveled with it.
By the 1990s, High Times Magazine had picked up on it. Once it was printed in their pages, the number was cemented in cannabis culture. What began as a code between five teenagers became a time, a date, and eventually, a global holiday.
The Waldos weren’t trying to start a revolution. They were just kids looking for a hidden grow. But their consistent use of the phrase “420” over months and years laid the groundwork for something much bigger.
Unlike most origin stories that are murky or disputed, the tale of 420 has documented evidence. The Waldos have kept proof in the form of old letters, postmarked from the ’70s, and even a flag they made with “420” on it. In recent years, they’ve been publicly credited and have participated in interviews to set the record straight.
No one could’ve predicted that a time of day would evolve into an annual event—but the Waldos weren’t just any teenagers. They managed to coin a term that crossed cultural boundaries and became a touchstone for an entire industry.
The Evolution of 420 on Cannabis Culture
Today, April 20 (4/20), is a widely recognized holiday in cannabis circles. Events are held around the world, from smoke-ins and concerts to education-based festivals promoting cannabis science, medical research, and legislative reform.
In recent years, legalization efforts across the United States, Canada, and countries abroad have shifted the focus of 420. What once was underground is now becoming part of mainstream advocacy. Cannabis businesses—from cultivators to dispensaries—often use the day to roll out new products, promote discounts, or highlight progress in policy reform.
420 is also used as a day to spotlight the disparities in cannabis incarceration, with advocates pushing for expungement, social equity programs, and greater access for medical patients.
Coming Together as a Community
What started as a joke between five California teens has become a significant cultural marker. Today, 420 stands as a reminder of the power of community, the importance of timing (both literal and figurative), and how even casual rituals can grow into lasting traditions.
As cannabis continues its journey from the controversial days of counterculture taboo to modern regulated commodity, 420 remains a moment to recognize how far the industry has come.
So, whether you’re a grower, manufacturer, budtender, or just a curious observer, 4:20 on April 20th is your time to pause and reflect on a history that’s celebrated by people around the world.
